4 Scientific Director s Report Paola Muti Scientific Director 6 In recent years the Regina Elena Cancer Institute has witnessed intense growth and progress. It is therefore timely and appropriate that we resume a long-standing tradition at the Institute the publication of our scientific report. This report will focus primarily on our current scientific activity and in particular on our new molecular medicine program of translational research. The program is based on a new collaboration between surgical, medical and pathology oncologists involved in clinical research and those involved in molecular investigation. The whole molecular medicine program has been organized around the opening of new high technology laboratories and a new program of intramural funds. Research Facilities Cancer is a disease characterized by numerous genetic aberrations and epigenetic modifications. It is our research mission to find out which molecular pathways or abnormalities contribute to cancer development and how we can act to prevent its initiation and its progression. Furthermore, in the last few years, there has been a substantial increase in the knowledge of cancer at a molecular level which has encouraged an improvement in molecular diagnosis and the subsequent application of the appropriate targeted therapies for cancer. However, there has been much less progress in the development of clinical tools for the molecular characterization of patients those who would most likely benefit from particular targeted therapies and those who would not. Therefore, it is our research mission to use all technologically advanced instruments to support the discovery and implementation of new targeted therapies and to identify the appropriate therapies for each patient and for each cancer through molecular signatures characterizing the individual and the disease. The new Regina Elena Cancer Institute molecular medicine facilities area currently represents one of the most technologically advanced laboratories in Europe to support this new diagnostic, preventive, therapeutical, predictive and prognostic approach: The Pyrosequencer will use pharmacogenetics together with pharmacokinetic aspects to predict response to chemo and radiotherapy on the basis of individual molecular characteristics. The ffimetrix and gilent platforms for microarray and the Illumina will facilitate the extremely advanced microarray DN/RN tests, genetic analysis sequencing and gene expression (single gene approach, genome-wide approach, candidate-pathway gene approach). The Maldi Tof/Tof instrument will carry out serum and cellular protein analysis in general and proteomics analyses. These analytical units are supported by specific international collaborations and memorandum of understanding drawn up with national and international institutions, each a leader in their particular field of interest. Finally, the Bioinformatic Unit will support computer science activities which will analyze the complex and large dataset produced by the facilities in close cooperation with the Bioinformatic Unit at the Weizmann Institute for Science (Israel). 7

5 In supporting this important innovation in cancer research a major role has been played by the Regina Elena Cancer Institute dministrators: the present Director General Dr. Francesco Bevere, Dr. Giorgio Marianetti (Managing Director), Dr. malia llocca (Chief Medical Officer) and Dr. Marino Nonis (former Director General ). We also thank the dministration of the Lazio Region for the structural help in furnishing the new laboratories and the Minister of Health for their important support in the implementation of technology and, in general, for supporting research activity. 8 Intramural Funds In the last two years, the Scientific Director s Office has recognized the need for, and subsequently approved, a standardized policy and procedure to provide intramural support to the Regina Elena Cancer Institute members and prospective members. The subsequent policy and procedure can be found in this report and will be detailed on the Institute website. Intramural funds derived from funds provided by the Italian Minister of Health have been made available for providing grants to start up and to develop young researchers. The goal is to be flexible in providing such funding to qualified institutional principal investigators. The priorities in determining what to fund include an emphasis on start-up funds for new investigators, funds for novel ideas or pilot projects for new/junior investigators and the development of new or novel projects within an existing program. Requests for intramural funds are made to the Scientific Director s Office which produces calls based on relevant subjects described by the Institutional Research topics approved by the Minister of Health. The Office works through an International Commission of evaluators to review requests. The Scientific Director s Office provides funds on the basis of the Commission ranking being blind to the review process. Under this new program, thirty-two research projects have received intramu- ral funds from the Scientific Director s Office. In all cases, the funds are being used by staff to perform requisite aspects of the investigators research projects. Conclusion In the last twenty years, the Regina Elena Cancer Institute has grown as an organization, improving its grants management system and its clinical activities. In the last two years, the Institute has created a new intramural funds program, has worked to improve inter-institutional procedures, and has provided support for translational research through the establishment of a new, highly technological area of molecular medicine. lthough the future holds further challenges, such as finding further research funds and support for young investigators, we are committed to meeting these challenges and thereby ensuring a robust and supportive environment for our research and clinical plans. Our programs and results come from our history but also look forward to the future with the ambition to create a sound, comprehensive cancer center, able to carry out patient-oriented research. further growth in facilities and faculty recruitment continues to be a high priority for the Regina Elena Cancer Institute. 9

7 Chief Medical Officer s Report malia llocca Chief Medical Officer In 2007 the main objective of the Institute has been to guarantee, in qualitative terms, the efficient use of all resources, in terms of productivity, levels of care, and the appropriateness of that care. In accordance with regional directives, the Institute carried out a program of resource rationalization, including: more cost-effective distribution of resources, concentrating on day hospital and outpatients, through the implementation of Complete Day Hospital Services (PC) and the malgamation of Day Hospitals (P). cost savings on unproductive activities and a redistribution of surgical activity, in particular with regard to the use of operating theatres. more efficient management of health spending, strengthening management checks and introducing spending ceilings which take account of efficiency and productivity indicators (average cost of care, direct costs on proceeds etc, discharges per doctor/nurse, etc). The mission of the Institute is to give the best responses to the health needs of the population, in terms of oncology, by consolidating scientific competence and technological resources, in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic processes, research and prevention. This also includes working with regional, national and international organizations and bodies, complementing the specific expertise they provide in their field, in order to provide complete welfare and health care. The Institute s mission also recognizes the need to create the right conditions for the development of new technological knowledge and competence in oncology with other centers of excellence at a national and international level. This is being realized through strategic relationships with the Region (President, Department of Health) and the National Ministry of Health (National Institutes of Health and National Research Council). The strategic vision of the Institute is aimed at consolidating a management system which is appropriate, timely and efficient and offers a quality of service which fulfills the population s expectations and needs. The Institute has everything in place to fulfill the role of an Oncological Center for Regional Coordination Center Hub, focused on creating conditions for better performance, through a more prudent use of resources. The creation of a Center of Excellence and of satellite structures will favour more appropriate interventions and improve the relationship between cost, efficiency and effectiveness

11 Office of the Scientific Director STFF John Fox Pina Gioffrè Barbara Matrascia Carmela Matrascia Geraldine Williams The Office of the Scientific Director is made up of the following: Secretarial Office Grants Office Research dministration Office (S..R.) Library Education, Training and Congress Center Management (C.M.E.) Rome Oncogenomic Center (R.O.C.) Fellowship and Intramural Grant Call The Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research Patent Office Office for cademic ffairs SECRETRIL OFFICE 20 THE SECRETRIL OFFICE IS STFFED BY: Carmela Matrascia Pina Gioffrè Geraldine Williams The office acts as a liaison point between the Scientific Director and all the departments of the Institute, representing the Scientific Director in the work of the Institute. The office supervises the budget of the Scientific Director. ll official communication from the Scientific Director is processed by this office and it is the first point of contact for the international scientific community wishing to contact the Director. It supports the research work of the Director, both international and national, including organizing and attending conferences, reviewing and submitting journal articles and formalizing official collaborations between institutes. The Institute s international Scientific dvisory Board is organized from the office. 21

12 GRNTS OFFICE RESERCH DMINISTRTION OFFICE (S..R.) THE GRNTS OFFICE IS STFFED BY: John Fox Barbara Matrascia The Grants Office s main priorities are: to carry out regular searches for information on national and international grant opportunities available and which may be of interest to IRE researchers. These include calls from international bodies such as the European Commission, the National Cancer Institute in the United States and the Susan Komen Grants Program, as well as national opportunities such as IRC and IF. to distribute information on grant calls to the Institute and identify specific researchers who may benefit from particular calls. to give administrative and technical support and advice to IRE researchers making grant applications. to give general information on how to make grant applications (according to the grant-making body). In the past year, the grants office has supported applications to the NIH, DOD, the Susan Komen Grants Program and the European Community FP7 Grants Program, as well as national programmes such as IRC and IF. THE DEPRTMENT IS STFFED BY: Enrico Del Baglivo Director Piera Brugnoli Giovanni Cavallotti Maria La Rosa ntonia Magnifico Silvia Malvezzi Doriana Salvati Fortunato Varone S..R. is dedicated to supporting the IRE Scientific Director and staff in their work in securing and monitoring research projects, academic and research activities and in assisting in post-award administration. The department manages research money, supervises project administration, acquisition and project personnel and human resource contracts. It is responsible for drawing up monetary reports on the internal and external (national and international) financing of projects. It provides assistance to all staff in their research work, through financing, recruitment and technical support

13 LIBRRY THE LIBRRY IS STFED BY: Head Librarian: Gaetana Cognetti dministrative Staff Giuseppe Filardo Domenico Verbicaro dministrative and Research ssistant Fabio D Orsogna Specialized Librarian (Patient Library) Reasearcher (zalea Project) Katiuscia Dormi Graduated Specialized Librarian Documentalist, Security Information Systems and Privacy Expert melia Mazzacuva Digital Library / Patient Library Researcher (zalea Project) Francesca Servoli Specialized Librarian, Periodicals management expert Maura Tuveri Specialized Librarian, Periodicals management expert The Scientific Library was created to guarantee the provision of up-to-date scientific research for researchers and doctors. The library s earliest collections date from the 1920s and 30s, the same period which witnessed the development of the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute. t the end of the 1980s, with the establishment of the Experimental Research Center (CRS) in via delle Messi d Oro, basic science collection was moved to the new center. Currently the print collections are composed of approximately books and journals, warehoused at CRS. In 2005, together with the previous library s innovative center, a new innovative center was created: the Digital Library Knowledge Center R. Maceratini (BDCC-IRE), placed at the Institute s new location, opening on the 16 of June The Digital Library is situated within a historical rural home, near the hospital. There is a multimedia room with 15 computers and a special room for the Patient Library, which aims to guarantee access to biomedicals and updated information, especially online, as well as organizing training courses regarding information technologies. In recent years the library s collections have grown with the addition of journals, further electronic resources and databases. The Regina Elena Cancer Institute library supports clinical research activities by offering scientific information and documentation. The objective of the Library is to guarantee easy access to up-to-date scientific material, as well as electronic support. part from acting as a library, it is also a knowledge center which facilitates access to important material in order to support clinical practices and the choices of patients. In other words, the library offers its services to both medical staff and patients. The Knowledge Center aims to contribute to the computerisation of the Institute, promoting the exchange of data between different professional areas and specialisations and more importantly between researchers within our structure and the scientific world in general. The center is easy to find, situated near the main entrance of the Institute and contains a multimedia room with 16 places for PCS. There is also in a Patient Library which offers information through the use of the most up-to-date health databases and websites. On January 31 st 2006 the library in the old Institute was closed and the printed collections moved to the new site. In 2007 the Digital Library registered 488 members. Naturally, most services can be obtained on line through the purchase and organisation of electronic resources (eg. scientific periodicals), which are directly accessible from the workplace of each single researcher. The main activities of the library consist of the management of monographs, periodicals and databases (inventory, cataloguing, control of collections) following international standards and guidelines; updating collective catalogues (monographs and periodicals); reference service; personalised bibliographical research; consultation of the main biomedical data bases; supplying documents through interlibrary exchange (Nilde); organisation of training courses; study and research regarding the problems of biomedical information and processes of integrated information technology; production of an electronic newsletter via for institutional users. LIBRRY HOLDINGS The library contains about 8,000 monographs and approximately 1,000 titles of various periodicals. In , we purchased electronic packages for approximately 3,000 periodicals and some important databases, including the Bibliosan project. ll library activities have been automized thanks to the use of auxiliary electronic systems, which are freely available on line through the institutional cooperation of the libraries present throughout Italy. The library also runs vocational training courses and is involved in numerous scientific research activities in the use of new technology

14 ROME ONCOGENOMIC CENTER (R.O.C.) 26 SCIENTIFIC COORDINTOR Giovanni Blandino The Rome Oncogenomic Center (R.O.C.) is one of the four Oncogenomic Technological Platforms founded by the Italian ssociation for Cancer Research (IRC) in The R.O.C. Consortium is hosted at the Regina Elena Cancer Institute, one of the most prominent cancer institutes in Italy founded in Since then, the Regina Elena Cancer Institute has mainly devoted its clinical and research activities to pursue new cancer therapeutic approaches. The R.O.C. Consortium also includes, in addition to the Regina Elena Cancer Institute, founding Institutions in order to provide the required critical mass of high quality investigators. The University of Rome La Sapienza joins R.O.C. mainly as an initiative of the 1st School of Medicine, with the partecipation of the Departments of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology. The School of Medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vergata participates with the Departments of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Biopathology, Virology, Internal Medicine- Dermatology. The Italian Ministry of Health participates with the following Departments: Environment and Primary Prevention, Cellular Biology and Neuroscience, Epidemiology and Health Prevention. dditional institutions in the Rome area are the National Council for Research (CNR), the Istituto Mendel-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, the Catholic University and the Fondazione. Cesalpino (Laboratory of Gene Expression). External to the Rome area, but also participating in the activities of R.O.C., are the University of Milan, the University of Chieti and the University of Firenze. The development of new genome-wide approaches and the completion of the human genome sequencing now offer powerful opportunities to increase knowledge and progress in cancer research and to tailor cancer diagnosis and treatment to individual patients. However, to gather a deeper understanding of the basic mechanisms that control and determine cancer transcriptome, descriptive (phenotypic) oncogenomics must evolve into a more functional genome-wide approach. To this end we need to implement innovative technological approaches to identify new target molecules and define protein/dn/rn modifications that alter gene expression control in cancer cell progenitors during transformation and tumor progression, as well as in cancer cells response to therapy. The R.O.C. Consortium will put together the efforts of leading scientists in the Rome/Central Italy area to: 1. set up a Central Core Facility to serve the purposes of the three research WorkPackages that constitute the R.O.C. Core Research Program. This includes the production and validation (design, spotting and analysis) of biochips for immunopurified chromatin based techniques and for micro-rn profiling; highthroughput ChIP analysis and realtime PCR; laser capture microdissection; cancer stem cell technologies; sirn - and sncrn-based innova- tive approaches to cancer cells gene expression. 2. foster an integrated functional genomics research effort aimed at building up a highly innovative Basic Research Core Program organized into 3 Research Workpackages: a. Integrated approaches for target gene identification in cancer: Systematic ChIP based target gene identification applied to a number of TFs including E2Fs, p53 and the p53 paralogs p63 and p73, NF-Y, NFkB, beta catenin, PML/RRa, myc, Notch, Gli, HIF-1a, ER, their co-activators and co-repressors and, whenever identified and functionally characterized, their post-translational modified versions. b. Snc-RNs (sirns and mir- Ns) as diagnostic and therapeutic tools to fight cancer: From comprehension of the basic mechanisms of mi-rn functioning to mi-rn profiles in cancer cells and the design of innovative approaches to modify altered gene expression based on RN interference and selective modulation of RN processing, the use of cell based assays transgenic mouse models. c. Stem cells, cancer and cancer stem cells: from development, through plasticity to cancer: Hunting for stem/progenitor cells signatures (mrns expression profiles, posttranslational modifications affecting the function of relevant proteins; micro-rns; RN processing) and the development of new reagents for the identification of tissue specific cancer stem/progenitor cells; 3. integrate the R.O.C. Central Core Facility with a number of pre-existing and qualified External Technological Platforms for genome wide approaches to assist the R.O.C. Core Research Program and to implement, as a medium/long term goal, individual patient-oriented molecular approaches for the diagnosis, management and cure of cancer. 4. develop at the R.O.C. Central Core Facility new low cost, second generation expression profiling chips oriented to study specific cancer type restricted signatures and relevant signaling/transcription pathways. 5. provide Integrated Educational ctivities for the wider community of clinical oncologists, graduate and post-graduate students as well as for cancer patients. If successful, these goals will help overcome the major existing limitations for a rapid translation from basic oncogenomics to patient-oriented therapy by implementing: communication between clinical centers and basic research groups; standardized experimental protocols, data management and interpretation; accessibility of cost-intensive technologies for basic, translational and clinical researchers. home.php

15 EDUCTION ND TRINING Education, Training and Congress Center Management Office INSTITUTIONL FELLOWSHIPS WRDED ON COMPETITIVE INTRMURL CLLS DMINISTRTIVE BORD Eugenio Poggi Carol Scioscia Sabrina Soresi The Education, Training and Congress Center Management Office (C.M.E.) is made up of an administrative and scientific board. The priorities of the office are to organize and improve the educational program of the Institute. ccording to the Ministry of Health (MoH) education program, the establishment of both intra- and extrainstitutional events is mandatory in order to obtain the Continuing Medical Education (CME) certification. In this context, the office is committed to following the online credit-gaining process from the MoH, by supporting all the rules for any planned event. ccording to MoH regulation, the office is SCIENTIFIC BORD Gabriele lessandrini Emilio Bria Roberta Merola also involved in the economic aspects of such planning, together with the process of scheduling reports. With regard to the scientific board of the office, the aim is to investigate the educational needs of all professional figures working in the Institute. Cooperation between the administrative and scientific boards of the office enables the yearly educational program to be scheduled on the basis of personnel requirements, following proposals coming from the Institute itself. The establishment of an educational program is a dynamic process, in which personnel are required to submit their suggestions regarding topics as well as the pros and cons of all events. Given the mission and the specific mandate of the Institution (i.e. oncology), the education program is dedicated mainly to basic and clinical research advances, by matching both the literature and news regarding future international meetings together with the research performed within the Institute. With this intent, the program is focused mainly on translational research, which constitutes the backbone of the seminars, thanks to the collaboration between the Institute s clinical and experimental research (CRS) centers, and by also involving international opinion leaders. The education program is based on two formats: 1) breakfast meetings, which are scheduled every Thursday morning on a weekly basis, and 2) research seminars, held monthly. Computer-assisted molecular design for the development of intelligent anticancer drugs and for the engineering of peptide inhibitors of pathologically relevant protein-protein interactions PRINCIPL INVESTIGTOR Emanuele Bellacchio Laboratory C Department for the Development of Therapeutic Research Programs bstract In the last few years the amount of information on tumor biology has expanded enormously, essentially due to the completion of human genome sequencing and to the application of new technologies that represent an exciting breakthrough in molecular analysis. High-throughput technologies recently applied to human cancer gene expression are powerful tools for understanding tumor biology and identifying novel cell transformation or tumor progression-related markers. The possibility of quickly identifying genes, whose abnormal expression is associated with specific human neoplastic diseases, facilitates diagnosis and prognosis. Growing expectations in the therapeutic field are the result of the integration of such knowledge with the information produced by experiments (enzymology, inhibition mechanisms and crystallography) and theoretical predictions (molecular docking and computer-assisted drug discovery). Such information makes it possible to achieve progress in drug discovery without the need to rely exclusively on empirical approaches. Two important aims of the project are the design and development of two different classes of pro-drugs with anticancer or antiinfective action, that are based on distinct mechanisms of activation and have the objective to selectively kill cancer or infected cells. For simplicity, the pro-drugs will be given the terms drug- and drug-b. Details will be disclosed in a later phase (pending Intellectual Property issues): 1) Drug- is a modified peptide that can be locally activated to cytotoxicity by specific proteases. Targets for this drug are cancer cells characterized by hyperactivity of endogenous proteases, or cells hosting infections that display a high activity of exogenous proteases. Specificity of action of the drug is obtained by the insertion of a peptide sequence cleavable by the desired protease; 2) Drug- B is a modified oligonucleotide that can be locally activated to cytotoxicity by the molecular recognition of complementary sequences of nucleic acids. Targets for this drug are cancer cells marked by abnormally high levels of endogenous nucleic acids, or cells infected and marked by the presence of exogenous nucleic acids. Specificity of action towards targets is achieved by the insertion of the proper nucleotide sequence into the drug. nother aim is the design of peptides that interfere with the protein-protein interactions established between the oncoprotein E7 from Human Papillomavirus type 16 with endogenous cellular factors

16 RN interference in vivo to define the role of genes mainly involved in malignancy PRINCIPL INVESTIGTOR Gianluca Bossi Molecular Oncogenomic Laboratory Department of Experimental Oncology bstract RN interference has emerged as a powerful tool to study biological effects generated by modulated expression of specific protein-coding genes. RN interference can be triggered delivering into the target cells synthetic double-stranded RN (sirn), or vectors (plasmid, viruses) carrying short hairpin RN (shrn) or microrn (mirn). t present, the identification of efficient inducible systems for RN interference in cells and tissues represents an objective of great interest in many areas of basic and applied research. Indeed, the identification of efficient conditional systems of RN interference would allow a more profound analysis of the roles played by individual protein in cellular regulatory processes both in in vitro and in vivo approaches. With this aim, in the last two years, efforts were devoted to the identification of an efficient system for conditional RN interference. s target gene of RN interference, to define the accuracy of different experimental approaches, mutant p53 was selected, which has been for several years of central interest in cancer and is extensively studied in the Molecular Oncogenesis Laboratory. fter several different attempts, a lentiviral-based conditional system was selected as a putative RN interference model system, because of its accuracy in modulating gene expression, particularly in tumors. The model system generated proved valuable, not only for its ability in modulating in vivo the expression of target genes, but also because of the target gene relevance. Indeed, the p53 tumor suppressor gene is mutated in almost 50% of human tumors. Mutant p53-carrying tumors often show poor response to conventional anti-cancer therapy such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is well known that TP53 mutations not only provide the inactivation of wild type p53 protein functions, but, also, may endow the mutant protein with novel properties (gain-of-function activities GOF) that contribute to tumor malignancy. Recently, we reported that the depletion of mutant p53 protein, by means of RN interference, reduced tumor malignancy impacting on chemo-resistance and tumorigenicity in vivo. The submitted research proposal aims to use the lentiviral-based conditional model of RN interference for a more detailed understanding of the gain of function activity of mutant p53 proteins in vivo. To this end, human tumor derived cell lines, endogenously expressing mutant p53 proteins, will be engineered with the lentiviral conditional system of RN interference. Using this experimental approach in in vitro and in vivo systems we will be able to identify mutant-p53 target genes; microarray data generated in the laboratory will be validated by real-time PCR approach. Using this experimental approach we will also be able to compare whether the expression of target genes is differently modulated when different mutated p53 proteins are depleted. Furthermore, by using this model system a better evaluation of mutant p53 knockdown relevance will be achieved concerning tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastatic potential. Finally the lentiviralbased conditional RN interference model, upon shrn and/or microrn engineering, will be employed to underscore the biological effects generated through the modulation of gene expression. Investigating mutant p53 gain of function through oncogenomic approaches PRINCIPL INVESTIGTOR Giulia Fontemaggi R.O.C. bstract P53 is considered a key tumor suppressor gene and is inactivated mainly by missense mutations in half of human cancers. It has becoming increasingly clear that mutant p53 proteins do not represent only the mere loss of wt-p53 tumor suppressor activity, but gain new oncogenic properties favoring the insurgence, the maintenance, the spreading and the chemoresistance of malignant tumors. The recent generation of knock-in mice with common missense mutations at the p53 locus by Lozano s and Jacks s laboratories has convincingly and elegantly provided the formal proof that mutant p53 proteins selected in tumors exert pro-tumorigenic activities. The actual challenge is the fine deciphering of the molecular mechanisms underlying gain of function of mutant p53 proteins. The two following molecular scenarios can be proposed to explain gain of function of mutant p53 proteins: (a) mutant p53 can bind to DN through the association with DN binding proteins and transcriptionally activate specific target genes using its functional transactivation domain (TD); (b) mutant p53 binds to and sequesters proteins whose function is required for anti-tumor functions such as apoptosis or growth inhibition. Interestingly, it has been reported that human tumorderived p53 mutants can associate with p73 and interfere with its ability to induce apoptosis. Scenario (a) is the main subject of the studies that the proponent is currently leading. We performed an ffymetrix gene expression profile on H1299 cells overexpressing an inducible mutant p53his175 and found that mutant p53 clearly modulates gene expression. Moreover, using some of the modulated genes as models to study mp53 transcriptional activity we could assess that mutant p53 can also be recruited to promoter regions, probably through the participation of other transcription factors. Specific aim: We aim to investigate the transcriptional signature determined by the binding of mutant p53 to a specific set of its target promoters in cancer. Moreover, to shed light on a novel/potential molecular mechanism underlying gain of function of mutant p53 proteins we propose to assess whether mutant p53 expression is capable of modulating the expression of mirns in tumor cells. Experimental plan: 1) ChIP on chip approach to identify in vivo transcriptional targets of gain of function mutant p53. The ChIP-chip technique is a very powerful technology that combines Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and microarray analysis allowing genome-wide evaluation of in vivo promoter occupancy of a certain transcription factor. t the Rome Oncogenomic Center platform we have generated the first dedicated ChIP-chip slide for mutant p53. The slide is a low-density array enclosing 50- mer oligonucleotides complementary to the promoters of all the known mutant p53 target genes and will be challenged with the following chromatin samples: I) p53-bound 30 31

17 chromatin from mutant p53 carrying cell lines; II) chromatin bound to the transcription factors that mediate mutant p53 binding to DN (NF-Y, E2F-1, p65nfkb, etc.). III) chromatin bound to proteins that are usually associated with an active transcriptional status (histone acetyltransferases, acetylated histones and polymerase II). IV) p53- bound chromatin from tissue samples derived from head/neck and breast cancers. 2) High-throughput approach to study the microrns profiling in normal vs tumor samples with reference to p53 status: to verify whether mutant p53 exerts gain of function through the modulation of mirns, whose gene targets silencing favors the insurgence, maintaining and chemoresistance of mutant p53 tumor cells, we will perform: I) a microarray analysis of 460 mature mirns using RN samples from head/neck and breast cancers. To this end the LN technology will be exploited to generate a low density microarray slide at the ROC platform; II) the validation of the mirns modulated in cancer through qrt-pcr Taq- Man method; III) the sequencing of the region of P53 gene (exons 5 to 8) holding the hot spot nucleotides for mutations; IV) the generation of low-density ChIP-chip dedicated arrays for the promoter analysis on the modulated mirns to identify possible direct interactions between mutant p53 and mir promoters. Expected results: The proposed genome-wide studies will lead to the identification of novel molecular pathways that could facilitate the development of both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for mutant p53 tumors. Molecular mechanisms in endothelin receptor-driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in ovarian cancer: implication for an effective targeted-therapy PRINCIPL INVESTIGTOR Laura Rosanò Laboratory ssociated to the Surgical Oncology Department bstract Despite the combination of tumor debulking and chemotherapy that has led to improved treatment results in recent years, in most patients with ovarian cancer relapse rates are high, rendering treatment of this tumor with molecular targeted therapy of great clinical interest. The selective activation of the ET receptor (ET R) by endothelin-1 (ET-1) promotes ovarian tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical process in the invasive and metastatic competence of tumor cells. In order to better understand the molecular interactions that occur in EMT after ET R activation, in this project we propose to evaluate the role of ß-arrestin, that functions as regulator and adapter of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), as cytoplasmic signal transducer to connect and expand the cross-talk between the GPCR ET R and the tyrosine kinase receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in driving ß-catenin-mediated signalling and cell invasion. Moreover, we will explore whether ß-arrestin could function as nuclear messenger of ET R to mediate epigenetic signaling that control Snail and ß- catenin transcriptional programs leading to E-cadherin suppression and EMT. The findings that ET R is a molecular target that regulates structural and functional changes in EMT determinants, may allow the expansion of the therapeutic repertoire of ET R blockade by exploring the tumor response end points of ZD4054, a novel highly specific ET R antagonist, as a fruitful approach to control ovarian cancer cell progression, tumor growth and metastasis. Beside ET R, EGFR is a critical therapeutic target in ovarian cancer. However, the majority of ovarian cancer patients display acquired resistance to the treatment with EGFR inhibitors, such as gefitinib, suggesting that activation of alternative escaping signallings can counteract EGFR blockade. In this context, ET R -mediated EGFR transactivation could represent a possible mechanism of resistance to anti- EGFR therapy. Recently, as has been demonstrated, an inverse functional correlation between EMT-related gene expression and EGFR inhibitor resistance suggesting that E-cadherin and other EMTrelated genes may represent potential markers of response to EGFR inhibitors and may also play a role in the mechanism underlying sensitivity to these drugs. In order to identify such mechanisms, we will evaluate whether pharmacologic blockade of ET R with specific ET R antagonist ZD4054, by restoring E-cadherin expression, can predict and influence response to gefitinib. The identification of the molecular changes that occur during ovarian tumor progression and EGFR inhibitor resistance will allow the design of integrated therapies in which combination with ZD4054 may overcome gefitinib resistance. Considering that new ET R targeting strategies are in clinical development, the combination therapy with ET R antagonist that concomitantly may block EGFR transactivation, revert EMT and restore E-cadherin, will offer an exciting opportunity to increase sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors, and provide a novel, potentially effective therapy for the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer. The future design and implementation of clinical trials ultimately will determine the validity of these approaches. Interplay between the endothelin axis and hypoxic microenvironment in melanoma progression: therapeutic implication PRINCIPL INVESTIGTOR Francesca Spinella Laboratory ssociated to the Surgical Oncology Department bstract The steady increase of melanoma incidence in recent years, the early metastatization of the tumor, and the resistance of advanced melanoma to current treatment regimens underscore the importance of acquiring a better understanding of the genetic and environmental factors driving the natural history of this malignancy. Gene expression profiling and phenotypic analysis of human cutaneous melanoma identified endothelin B receptor (ET B R) a tumor progression marker thus representing a potential therapeutic target. Upon activation by endothelin (ET)-1 or ET-3, ET B R promotes tumorigenesis and melanoma progression by increasing the expression of angiogenenic and invasiveness markers. Moreover, these effects increase under hypoxic conditions suggesting that ETs may cooperate with hypoxia to potentiate the aggressiveness and invasion in melanoma cells. In order to define 33

18 the interplay between ET B R and hypoxia in modulating melanoma development and progression, this project aims to investigate the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 driven cell fate influence in response to ETs under both normoxia and hypoxia setting. We will investigate in melanocytes and in primary and metastatic melanoma cells, the molecular mechanism by which ETs regulate HIF-1, the main transcriptional factor that allows cellular adaptation to hypoxia, leading to transcriptional programs that control the early steps of melanomagenesis and development of more aggressive tumors. Previous studies reported that a hypoxic microenvironment is necessary to allow melanocyte transformation initiated by kt, that is reduced by disruption of the PI3K/kt/mTOR pathway by inhibiting HIF-1 activity. Therefore, we will analyze the pathway involved for the formation of ET B R-driven melanoma, potentially through regulation of HIF-1 activation. nother question that deserves additional study is whether hypoxic context may regulate ET axis in melanoma cells. Thus, tumor hypoxic microenvironment can activate HIF-1 enhancing the transcriptional activity of target genes, such as ET-1, ET-2 and ET- 3 that through the binding of ET B R, may, in turn, increase HIF-1 and related genes triggering a positive autocrine loop between HIF-1 and ET axis. This study may allow the disclousure of a regulatory mechanism which relies on the convergence of microenvironmental hypoxia and ET axis influencing melanoma development and progression through HIF-1 and related signaling cascade. The identification of regulatory mechanisms which are at the basis of the interplay between microenvironmental hypoxia and ET-1 axis may have significant implications on expanding the therapeutic repertoire of HIF-targeting agents, by developing novel protocols in the treatment of melanoma. In this regard, the confirmation of the role of ET B R as a new molecular target that regulates melanoma development and progression, may allow the expansion of the therapeutic repertoire of ET B R blockade by exploring the efficacy of , a novel highly selective ET B R antagonist, in the control of melanoma growth, invasion and metastasis formation. Definition of molecular mechanisms involved in the angiogenic phenotype of bcl-2 and bcl-xl oncogenes: therapeutical implications PRINCIPL INVESTIGTOR Daniela Trisciuoglio Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory Department of Experimental Oncology bstract Sustained angiogenesis is one of the essential alterations in cell physiology, which characterises cancer cells. How the interplay between environmental and genetic mechanisms influences tumor angiogenesis is at present a complex and unresolved matter. n understanding of the temporal and magnitude sequences of the generation of signals that can induce or block angiogenesis should help towards the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Since VEGF, CXCL8 and HIF-1 are the most important factors inducing angiogenesis, the definition of genes, such as bcl-2 or bcl-xl, able to modulate their expression, might have particular relevance. It could be useful in clarifying the basis of pathological angiogenesis and for early diagnosis. Similarly, since angiogenesis can be discerned in premalignant lesions, defining the relationship between bcl-2 or bcl-xl and angiogenesis will be relevant for prognosis prediction. The results of this project should have a significant impact in clinical cancer management. The definition of molecular mechanisms involved in the angiogenic phenotype will permit the design of new therapeutic approaches able to counteract tumor growth, metastatization and angiogenesis. lso, the study of bcl-2 overexpressing tumors sensitivity to multitargeted therapy could add important information for cancer treatment. Therefore, on the basis of previous results obtained in the Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, with the aim of improving cancer treatment, the objectives of this project are 1) to clarify the molecular mechanism by which bcl- 2/bcl-xL increase angiogenesis, investigating the different pathways involved in this process; 2) to identify combination of agents which could improve the efficacy of antiangiogenesis therapies (i.e. bcl-2/bcl-xl antisense oligonucleotides), targeting those pathways involved in tumor angiogenesis and, in general, in the metastatization process. The Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (JECCR), the official journal of the National Cancer Institute Regina Elena, publishes quarterly original contributions dealing with basic and applied research in the field of experimental and clinical oncology; in particular it publishes scientific studies on the biological, epidemiological, immunological, pathological, radiobiological, and clinical aspects of oncology. Topics range from molecular genetics via infectious agents to surgery and therapeutic approaches and outcomes. The broad oncological focus, combined with the Editors experience in evaluating and conducting systematic reviews and developing clinical practice guidelines, makes JECCR an attractive forum for publishing reviews and guidelines. In manuscripts were submitted for publication, with 84 accepted by referees. Their place of origin is as follows: - Europe 43 - sia-pacific 29 - US-merica 12 In 2008 JECCR moved to BioMed Central s open access publishing platform. Overseen by the Editor-in-Chief Mauro Castelli and supported by an international Editorial Board, the Journal aims to provide a high-quality forum for basic and translational work in oncology. First launched in 1982, JECCR joined BioMed Central in order to provide rapid dissemination of scientific results to the widest possible global audience. Furthermore, authors submitting to JECCR can expect a fast turnaround time, benefiting from an efficient review process and publication immediately upon acceptance. JECCR s content is widely indexed (by PubMed, Medline, Thomson/ISI, Embase, and CS) and covered by a range of freely accessible full-text archives. The Impact Factor, granted in 1996, reached in We believe that new editorial changes combined with the advantages of BioMed Central s open access publishing platform will greatly improve JECCR s dissemination and visibility. The Journal s online archive dating back to 1999 remains available from its former homepage. JOURNL OF EXPERIMENTL & CLINICL CNCER RESERCH 34 35

19 Scientific ctivity

20 DEPRTMENT OF EXPERIMENTL ONCOLOGY Laboratory of Preclinical Experimental Chemotherapy Director: Gabriella Zupi STFF nnamaria Biroccio ntonio Candiloro Carmen D'ngelo Donatella Del Bufalo Francesca Di Modugno Carlo Leonetti 38 Scientific ctivity* The work of the Laboratory centers on the issues listed below. ROLE OF GENES (BCL-XL) ND MOLECULES (MEK INHIBITOR) ON TUMOR NGIOGENESIS Based on our previous studies, which demonstrated that i) bcl-2 overexpression in tumor cells synergistically interacts with hypoxia to modulate the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis, ii) bcl-xl upregulates the proangiogenic chemokine interleukin-8 (CXCL8) through P-1 and NF-kB-dependent mechanism, in 2006 we performed experiments to evaluate in more detail the molecular mechanism by which bcl-xl modulates NF-kB pathway, and to analyse whether bcl-xl can also be involved in the modulation of the angiogenic phenotype of other tumor hystotypes. Using the DF human glioblastoma cell line and two bcl-xl overexpressing clones, we demonstrated that the overexpression of bcl-xl in the DF line induced NF-kB activation through phosphorylation of IKKa/B and subsequent IkBa phosphorylation and degradation. Moreover, the relevance of NF-kB in bcl-xl-induced increase of CXCL8 was confirmed by the use of a mutant form of IkB-a. Transient overexpression of bcl-xl extended the ability of bcl-xl to increase CXCL8 expression to other tumor cell lines of different origin, such as colon and prostate carcinomas and melanoma. In particular, using M14 melanoma cells, the role of CXCL8 on bcl-xl-induced angiogenesis was validated through CXCL8 neutralizing antibody, while bclxl antisense oligonucleotides and RN interference confirmed the involvement of bcl-xl on CXCL8 expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that NF-kB-mediated CXCL8 upregulation by bcl-xl increases tumor angiogenesis, and they point to elucidate an additional function of bcl-xl protein. In collaboration with Dr Milella, using preclinical models of melanoma we also investigated the anti-tumor activity (in terms of effects on cell growth, cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis) and the anti-angiogenic potential of the novel MEK inhibitor PD Our results indicate that PD inhibited VEGF and CXCL8 production in vitro under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, through inhibition of hypoxia-stimulated HIF-la expression and transcriptional activation. CHEMOKINE RECEPTORS INHIBITORS FOR MELNOM TRETMENT The chemokine receptors CXCRl and CXCR2 and their ligand CXCL8 have been found to regulate the tumor progression and the invasion of melanoma cells to sites of metastases. In 2006, in the search for the development of new anticancer drugs, the effect on tumor growth and metastasis of Meraxin, a novel noncompetitive allosteric inhibitor of the chemokine receptors, CXCRl and 39

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